Reflections: Joyful Sounds

If it is a new and uplifting musical experience you seek, rich in spirit and culture, then look no further than “Grace” by the Soweto Gospel Choir.

The award-winning, internationally known choir, which has existed since 2002, is extraordinary. The harmonies are remarkable and their passion reaches out from them to touch the hearts of listeners.

This stunning album does what gospel music is supposed to do: make you feel good, give you comfort, and help you to realize that no matter what is going in or around your life, there are blessings to appreciate now and brighter days ahead.

Most of the songs (“Kae Le Kae,” “Mangisondele Nkosi Yam,” “Ingoma,” etc.) are sung in the choir’s native tongue, but they offer songs in English as well, including “Oh! It Was Jesus,” “Ave Maria” and “Bridge Over Troubled Waters.” “Grace” by the Soweto Gospel Choir is wonderful. It’ll take you higher.

HELPING ONE’S family out is one thing, but taking care of able-bodied people just because you are related to them is something else altogether.

Fortunately, the benevolent Fantasia is coming to her senses. She had, with pride, been taking care of virtually the whole Barrino clan. But now she says, “I guess I did it a little too much and they began to depend on me for everything and it has become a burden.”

She further noted, “I created that monster and this is hard. I lost some family members who felt I should have given to them…You can’t house everybody and you can’t pay everybody’s bills.”

You’re right, Fantasia! Freeloading family members and (so-called) friends in situations like this have every reason to be ashamed of themselves.

Fantasia has something in common with the late Florence Ballard, one of the original Supremes, who had a similar experience although she apparently never saw the light.Mary Wilson once said that Florence was always doing something for her family, to the point of it being detrimental to her.

RANDY JACKSON, the “American Idol” judge known for his frequent use of the word “pitchy” and for calling people “dawg,” says he thinks it would “be nice” if a female won the competition this season. A male won last season and the one before.

Have you seen that dance show that airs on WADL/Channel 38? Some things are better left unsaid! Check it out, if you haven’t already, and you’ll know what I mean.

Smokey Robinson once wrote a song titled “Be Kind to the Growing Mind.” That sure would be nice, but it doesn’t seem likely to happen.